BMWFEST 2015 Cape Town

Posted on: 28 May 2015

Here our 6th instalment of the Annual BMW Fest at Killarney Motor Racing Complex held on the 23 May 2015, and what an enjoyable one it was.

The day actually started a few days earlier as a lot of the guys that were looking forward to the event, myself included, were worried about the weather.

The issue was that the weather fore-cast for the days leading up to the Saturday showed clear, bright and sunny days…and then, rain for the event day. So when guys asked me “what happens if it rains?” I could only reply “Bring a rain jacket” as the show was gonna go on.

It did rain on Saturday in Cape Town, it stormed in some places, but only our Great Lord can explain to us how the rain stayed away from Killarney Race track where we were.

When we arrived earlier that morning, MSA dragsters were on track, speeding down the Killarney main straight to the post the fastest 1/4mile times.

At 1pm as the BMW drivers were pulling in, the marshals at the circuit came to us and said we could have the track for about 10 or 15 minutes as they wanted help drying the tarmac which was made wet by a light passing drizzle.

So as to help them with MSA Drags carrying on and not delaying our proceedings for later on in the day, we left drivers rushing to their cars to take part in this open track session wearing seatbelts and smiles, with their 4cylinders, 6cylinders, V8s, Turbo’s, Diesels lining up to exit the pits onto the circuit main straight

They most certainly had fun until they were called in after the marshals were satisfied.

The BMW Car Club Cape Town, BMWFanatics, and BMSquad crews all pulled in group by group after arranging convoys to the event.

Inside the pits Hall, sponsors Auric Auto had setup a tasteful display of new Beemers from their Dealership in Claremont.

Precision Performance showcased their expertise on modifying motors, and engine upgrades with a few E46’s and a monstrous E30 created by owner and manager of the Precision Performance workshop - Dean, which had over R200k and many many work hours spent on it. Their physical address is 14 Esso Road, Montague Gardens.

SSS Fabrics had a special ///M inspired couch chair & ottoman made for the day showing off their expertise in the upholstery sector.

They can be contacted on 021 851 1060

Shahiem Bell and Joe Klein, a happy go lucky pair of Capetonians were graced with the task of MC. and they did a wonderful job of informing patrons of the days’ proceedings and making us and others laugh along the way with their cape-flavoured announcements.

As soon as MSA drags finished off for the day, we immediately started our street 2 strip style races for the Beemer guys that entered. This was mainly prompted by the view of dark clouds approaching and we wanted the dragsters to complete their races before we were hit with a shower, but again the rain stayed away.

The Parade Lap, which allows every BMW to take part in a convoy lap around the Killarney Race Circuit at a maximum speed of 30km/h was unfortunately spoiled by two or 3 individuals who could not conform to or respect the Rules and Regulations set out by the WPMC Marshalls. Now this was the 6th time we were doing a parade lap (co-inciding with event no6) but it is the first time ever that a Parade Lap was cancelled and called in due to unruly behaviour. Let’s just hope it does not impact the future of this feature at upcoming events at Killarney Circuit. A sad reality it is where a few arrogant guys are giving the rest of BMW drivers a bad name.

Other than the sour taste of the cancellation of the parade-lap, the day was great! The cars were sweet, the vibe was good, and the people were wonderful.

The cars that joined the day spanned across 5 decades.

From the 70s we got a 2002ti and an E3 2800S.

The 80's was represented by plenty of E30s as is customary at any SABeemer event. Also from the 80s were a very neat E12 520, a very well sought after, and rare E28 M5, a super clean restored 745i & E12/8 M535i.

The 90s didn’t disappoint with a couple of 325Is’, and quite a sum of E36s’. I personally think that the E36 series is actually slowly becoming as popular amongst young first time BMW owners, as the E30 models are becoming quite hard and expensive to find in a decent form. This theory of mine was proven on this day by the quality of E36s’ present. There were some standard and others tastefully customised by their proud owners, and clearly outshining the E30s at this event. There is definitely scope for a 'Best E36' category at future events.

The 2000’s saw lots of E46s and E90s, some 5series and 1series’.

The newest cars were present too, with the highlight being the i8, arranged by Grant of the BMW Car Club CT. This machine is just amazing. It is literally in a class of its own. New F30s , 6series and 1series and 2series’ were also present on the day.

The Show n Shine winners were as follows :

Special thanks to our Jusges Yusuf Omar and Yusuf 'Joe' Patience for their services on the day.